Student Loan Archives

Demystifying the Financial Aid Letter
By: Brian O'Connell

It’s spring, and to millions of high school seniors and their families, that means those ubiquitous financial aid packages will start appearing in mailboxes. Trouble is, most financial aid letters need to come with a translator, or at least a financial planner. No need to worry though, take the following tips with you while scouring your future collegian’s financial aid letter. Read more»

Colleges Cut Back on Financing Programs
By: Brian O'Connell

Add Williams College to the list of schools that have repealed pledges to instill “no loan” financing programs to students. While the pledge was an altruistic one — a record number of college students are delinquent on their student loans — the truth is, colleges can’t afford to cut loans out of the tuition payment equation. Read more»

529 Decisions: Do You Need a Broker?
By: Jeff Brown

A state-sponsored Section 529 plan is one of the best options for college savings. But shopping for one is a hassle, like buying life insurance or annuities. It’s hard to make an apples-to-apples comparison. Read more»

Student Loans Hard to Kick, Even in Bankruptcy
By: Bobbi Dempsey

For those struggling financially, student loans often increase money woes. Unfortunately, this is one debt you just can't escape – even in bankruptcy court. The government offers several options for borrowers with money woes, but these measures are temporary. Read more»

How to Save for College Without 529s
By: Jeff Brown

If you know anyone with a child in college or one that will be soon, you know this is hand-wringing time, as families sweat admissions and financial aid awards. Read more»

Should You Hire a FAFSA Expert?
By: Brian O'Connell

In a lean and mean economy, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid is a great vehicle for gaining access to all the college aid that Uncle Sam offers. But like most government documents, you’ll need to channel your inner Sherlock Holmes to navigate it. Read more»

529 Plans Get a Makeover, Thanks To Fidelity
By: Brian O'Connell

Parents looking for a break on their college savings plans caught one this month from Fidelity Investments. The investment giant is cutting fees, changing the eligibility age for kids, and positioning its college-savings funds to take advantage of growing economies overseas. Read more»

Tuition Costs Increase Despite Sour Economy
By: Brian O'Connell

The College Board’s latest study on college tuition shows that the price for college has risen by 6.5% — right in the teeth of the recession. But all is not lost. For students and families, there are some more pleasant figures in the study, too. BankingMyWay will open this — the week before Thanksgiving break for collegians — with a look at college prices going into 2010. Read more»

Student-Loan Defaults Rise with Unemployment
By: Joe Mont

BOSTON (TheStreet) — The weak economy and double-digit unemployment rates have caused student-loan defaults to hit their highest level in nine years. It's a trend that could cost the government billions of dollars and harm the creditworthiness of an up-and-coming generation. Read more»

Coping With Bad College-Savings Results
By: Jeff Brown

You say you’re unhappy with your 529 college savings plan? You’re not alone. Many investors are disgusted with the big losses their plans suffered, and industry data shows substantially less money flowing into these plans this year compared to two or three years ago. Read more»

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